He nodded. “Sure.”
“Take her and go sit. I’ll be right over with the bottle.”
He did as she asked, lifting the infant from her embrace.
Ruthie’s little face was screwed up like she was getting ready to wail. Mitch talked softly to her. “Hey, now, sweetness, it’s all right. Are you hungry? Your bottle’s coming.”
He sat with her, rocking her in his arms. The couch was completely devoid of bags and other items, although the crib box had been leaned against the table. Joyce was amazing.
She brought him the bottle. “Hold her up a little. You don’t want her to take in a lot of air.”
He adjusted Ruthie, then gave her the bottle. She took to it right away, her little scowl disappearing. He watched, fascinated by her every move.
“Call if you need me,” Joyce said. “I have another load of laundry to deal with. I’m putting all her clothes in the dresser in the other guest room, by the way. Pretty much most of her things are in there.
“Thank you.” Mitch nodded without taking his eyes off of Ruthie. “That’s perfect.”
He sighed contentedly. Just as perfect as the child in his arms.
Chapter Thirty
Harper took an umbrella to walk next door to Mitch’s. The hard rain that had come down earlier had diminished to a steady drizzle. She hoped it would disappear completely by tomorrow, since Buck had agreed, enthusiastically, to meeting. She didn’t love driving in the rain. Even if it was only two hours.
She knocked on the door. She knew Joyce wouldn’t be there. Her sister had come in today. No doubt the two of them were at the guest house catching up.
Harper smiled, happy for her friend.
Mitch appeared, a pink cloth draped over his shoulder. “Oh, hey. Is it six already?”
“It is.” The sound of a baby crying drifted down the steps. Was he watching a movie? “Not a good time?”
“No, I, uh, just a lot going on.” He grinned suddenly, then let out a big breath. “Kyle is here. With Ruthie. His daughter. My grandbaby.”
“What?” Harper laughed. “Are you kidding? That’s amazing.” But that explained the happiness radiating off of Mitch. “I’m sure you have your hands full. Don’t worry about me. We can catch up whenever you’re ready.” She started to back away.
“No, come in. I want you to meet them both.”
“I’d love to.” She went up the steps with him.
A young, tired-looking man sat on the couch with a baby in his arms. He was giving her a bottle. There was a stuffed duck and a blanket on the couch beside him.
“Hi,” Harper said softly. “You must be Kyle. And that little princess must be Ruthie.”
He nodded. “That’s us.”
“I’m Harper. A friend of your dad’s.”
Kyle nodded. “He told me about you. Nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you, too. Both of you.”
Mitch touched Harper’s arm lightly, getting her attention. “Why don’t we go in my office and talk for a few minutes?”
“Sure.”
He glanced at Kyle again. “Pizza should be here in half an hour. I’ll get it when it comes.”
“Okay. Thanks, Dad.”
